Cream of the Crop
Using the actual 18th-century creamware pieces from its collection as inspiration, Longue Vue House and Gardens has reproduction creamware made using techniques from the 1700s. Since the pieces are unable to be mass-produced, each item is unique—just like the originals. The Gift Shop at Longue Vue House and Gardens, 7 Bamboo Rd., 488-5488, or go to www.longuevue.com.
A Soft Touch
Stacked high on a loveseat or piled on a bed, the feeling of being on a permanent vacation in an exotic locale is hard to deny with these pillows from Anthropologie. Shown here is “Wagon Wheel,” in turquoise and green; “Snowflake,” in pink and turquoise; “Medallion,” in orange and lemon. Anthropologie, (800) 309-2500; or go to www.anthropologie.com.
Of the Same Stripe
Artist Tracy Glover designs lamps that have a vintage flair, but are chic enough for years to come. The lamp’s base is made in a Venetian glass technique with unique, colorful designs—the one shown here, “Turk lamp” is striped—and is anchored by a hand-cast iron square with a powder coat. Lampshades are available in dupioni silk and shantung fabric. Tracy Glover Studios, 1655 Elmwood Ave., Cranston, R.I., (410) 461-1560, or go to www.tracygloverstudio.com.
New Orleans Style: Past & Present
(Rizzoli International Publications, $50)
Get a sneak peek into some of New Orleans’ finest homes with Susan Sully’s new book. Twenty-two residences are featured, ranging from a Bywater Creole cottage to an Italianate villa in the Garden District. The book also highlights homes in the French Quarter, Faubourg Marigny and Uptown.
Star Appeal
Bring kitchens, foyers, dining rooms and even bathrooms to life with a
decorative floor made of cement. This compass pattern features a caramel stain with a background stain in faded turquoise. Illusions by Design, 2950 St. Anthony Ave., 352-2186.
Movies on Demand
Enjoy your favorite flick with a bowl of popcorn … minus the theater. This sleek, portable Samsung DVD player from the Sharper Image allows movies to be enjoyed anywhere. Long plane rides don’t have to mean instant boredom, as the player is small and light enough to fit in a tote or briefcase. The Sharper Image, Lakeside Shopping Center, 838-4458; Riverwalk, 524-0636, or go to www.sharperimage.com.
Not Boxed In
These Lulu Guinness hatboxes are no one-use purchase. Buy the box filled with an assortment of traditional, chocolate and coffee-flavored pralines (handmade by Pralines by Jean owner Jean Stickney), plus some other local favorites. Once the treats inside are gone, the boxes can be used for storage or can be stacked to become a side table. Pralines By Jean, 1728 St. Charles Ave., 525-1910, or go to www.pralinesbyjean.com.
Just Beachy
Thick, luxurious Hermès beach towels are large enough to keep the sand off tanning skin, yet plush enough to dry off comfortably. The towels have a pattern on one side and a bright, solid color on the other—choose one depending on your mood. Hermès, Saks Fifth Avenue, The Shops at Canal, 524-2200; or go to www.hermes.com.
